Today is especially bittersweet, marking the end of my summer policy internship with Clean Ocean Action (COA). They are a non-profit working to protect the waters off the Jersey shore via education, advocacy, outreach, policy, and community action. In May, I began developing my summer campaign to promote Clean Ocean Zone (COZ) legislation. Legal protections for the ocean and its valuable marine resources are crucial, especially as companies attempt to industrialize waters that should remain clean, wild, and free. I developed factsheets, brochures, and other resources to display at information and outreach tables at local venues including beaches, boardwalks, concerts, and farmers' markets. To kick off the campaign, I hosted a press conference at Lucky Dog Surf Co. This gave staff, volunteers, and shoreline business owners an opportunity to explain why they oppose ocean industrialization and stand behind COZ legislation. I also trained dozens of volunteers to represent the goals of my campaign and circulate the corresponding resources at information and outreach tables. I scheduled 15 events throughout the summer. Volunteers helped fundraise by collecting donations and selling merchandise I designed to celebrate COA's 40th anniversary. The most crucial aspect of my campaign was developing and circulating a public opinion survey to determine what New Jerseyans want for the future of their ocean. The findings will be used to shape the direction of ocean protection legislation and determine the hopes, concerns, and questions locals have about the waters off the Jersey shore. I used the data gathered from about 200 respondents to formulate an infographic and develop an internal report. To see a summary of the results, check COA's website or various social media pages! I am so grateful to COA's staff, interns, and supporters for making this summer so memorable. The insights I gained and experience I accrued will prove valuable as I continue working toward a career in environmental law and policy.
Agricultural Economics|AgriculturalExtension|Rural Resource Management|Nature Conservation|Researcher|Data analyst|Reporter|Strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation.
11moIs this opportunity open to international applicants?